The World, Explained · 45 sec
Greenhouse gas
A small piece of context that makes the wider world easier to read.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the gases in an atmosphere that trap heat, raising the surface temperature of astronomical bodies such as Earth.
- How it works
Unlike other gases, greenhouse gases absorb the radiations that a planet emits, resulting in the greenhouse effect.
- Why it matters
The Earth is warmed by sunlight, causing its surface to radiate heat, which is then mostly absorbed by greenhouse gases.
Why this matters
Use Greenhouse gas as context when interpreting events and claims about the world.
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Use Greenhouse gas as context when interpreting events and claims about the world.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Greenhouse gas?
- How it works
- The useful idea — correct
- Why it matters
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the gases in an atmosphere that trap heat, raising the surface temperature of astronomical bodies such as Earth.